Stories, Mistakes & Mastery

Discover my blogs journaling my learnings, journey, mistakes, and mastery in wildlife and sports photography.

A mud-covered wrestler rests against a rough mud wall after an intense Kushti bout, his muscular body fully coated in thick, glistening dirt from head to toe. Captured by Delhi-based sports photographer Jithin Thomas

Dhobi Pachaad

Capturing the raw power of a classic kushti wrestling takedown at a Delhi akhara—discover the "Dhobi Pachaad" technique, my photography challenges in fast action, and key low-light tips with wide aperture primes... Read More

A fierce female tennis player mid-action, poised powerfully with her racket ready as the yellow ball soars high in the air directly in front of the net. She wears a dynamic athletic outfit. Captured by Delhi-based sports photographer Jithin Thomas

Queens of the Court

First pro tennis gig at Delhi's W35 Women's International Tournament—intense rallies, foggy mornings to sunny shifts, and learning court discipline from legends like Kamesh Srinivasan. Experimented with motion blur forehands, net framing, and raw player emotions like top seed's commanding win... Read More

Vayanattu Kulavan Theyyam, the fierce guardian deity from Kerala rituals, holds a glowing fire lamp in his hand with intense determination. His striking silver eyes shine through the elaborate costume and makeup, piercing the night air during a sacred performance. Captured by Delhi-based sports photographer Jithin Thomas.

The Dance of the Gods

From Delhi's sports arenas to Kerala's sacred Theyyam rituals in Kannur—capturing divine performers' elaborate costumes, frenzied dances, and spiritual intensity with wide aperture primes in low light. My takeaways on blending sports action skills with cultural endurance photography. Click for the full journey, shots, and tips... Read More

Para-athlete Navdeep Singh celebrates his silver medal win in the men's javelin F41 at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, his face beaming with triumph as he raises his arms high after a powerful 45.46m throw. Surrounded by cheering crowds at JLN Stadium, he holds the gleaming medal aloft, embodying India's record haul of 22 medals. Captured by Delhi-based sports photographer Jithin Thomas.

International Debut

My first international gig: World Para Athletics Championships at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium—raw athlete emotion, javelin thrills, and high jumps captured from the stands using my 200-500mm lens. Lessons on anticipation, long-reach composition, and why emotion trumps position... Read More

Shamsheer Ali, India's ace polo player known as Chamma, soars mid-air on horseback during a high-speed play in the Delhi Polo Season 2025-2026. His mallet swings powerfully toward the ball as the blurred stadium banner proclaiming "Delhi Polo Season 2025-2026" fills the dynamic background. Captured by Delhi-based sports photographer Jithin Thomas

My Healthy Addiction

My polo obsession ignited in March 2025—high-speed chukkers, mallet clashes, and horse power that hooked me instantly, turning addiction into pure joy. Discover pitchside thrills, gear tips for fast action, and why this sport fuels my photography passion... Read More

Spark Minda Titans captain Pawan soars triumphantly mid-air in the winning moment of the 5th CII Corporate Cricket League 2025, capturing the final wicket as the opposition wicketkeeper collapses to his knees in defeat. The electrifying scene unfolds at the Delhi grounds with the championship trophy gleaming nearby and jubilant teammates rushing in celebration. Captured by Delhi-based sports photographer Jithin Thomas

Pitchside Stories

December 2025's CII Corporate Cricket League at Jamia Millia Islamia—professional DRS, live streaming, and epic moments like mid-air celebrations amid Delhi's hazy winter light... Read More

Two muscular wrestlers fiercely clash in a thick mud pit during a traditional dangal at Narela's akhara, their bodies slick with wet dirt as they grapple with raw power and determination. Spectators cheer intensely from the dusty sidelines under the Delhi sun. Captured by Indian sports photographer Jithin Thomas

Inside the Dangal

Thrilling account of navigating farmer protests to capture a real mud wrestling dangal in Narela—intense takedowns, emotional rituals, and my breakthrough with telephoto lenses in natural light. Packed with action shots, foul moments, and priority mode tips for beginners... Read More

A lone Kerala Unity Cup footballer takes on the entire opposing team single-handedly, charging fearlessly through the midfield with the ball at his feet during the intense Delhi tournament match. His determined expression and dynamic sprint contrast against the clustered defenders, with the "Kerala Unity Cup 2025-2026" banner visible in the vibrant stadium background. Captured by Delhi-based sports photographer Jithin Thomas.

The Real Kerala Story

Kerala's Unity Cup football tournament fuses raw athleticism with Kalaripayattu martial arts and Chandamelam rhythms—intense goals, cultural rituals, and crowd energy captured amid paddy fields. My gear tweaks and emotional takeaways from blending Delhi sports roots with this vibrant spectacle... Read More

Slam Dunk Capture

Step into the energy of the Harish Sharma 3×3 All India Basketball Championship and see how I approached capturing peak action, emotion, and atmosphere during the all india Basket Tournament... Read More

My First DSRL which shaped my photography journey - Jithin Thomas

Starting Your Photography Journey

Starting out in photography can feel overwhelming, so I’ve broken down the basics, the gear you actually need, and the mindset that helps you grow without burning out. Read the full story and detailed tips here

Polo player charging down the field on horseback with the ‘Cingari’ branding board clearly visible in the background, photographed by Indian sports photographer Jithin Thomas

Need for Professional Photography

Professional photos do more than just look good—they build trust, communicate quality, and separate your brand from the crowd. Dive into why investing in a dedicated photographer matters here

Paapi Pet ka Sawaal

In this piece, I talk honestly about the not-so-glam side of being a photographer: paying the bills, balancing passion with practicality, and making tough decisions for “paapi pet ka sawaal.” If you’ve ever struggled between creative dreams and real-life expenses, this story will feel very familiar—read the full blog here

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Stories, Mistakes & Mastery

Discover my blogs journaling my learnings, journey, mistakes, and mastery in wildlife and sports photography.

Get in touch at jt@jithinthomasphotography.com; Ph. no: +91 9217939532